About Us
UK Israel Business (UKIB), The Bilateral Chamber of Commerce, is the ultimate business platform that nurtures dynamic growth and investment between the UK and Israel. Founded in 1950, UKIB is one of the UK's most respected Chambers of Commerce and is highly regarded as a prestigious and active business trade organisation.
As a not-for-profit membership-based organisation, UKIB provides a platform for businesses to establish, grow, and develop in both countries. Its mission is to increase bilateral trade and strengthen the bond between the UK and Israel. With its focus on providing forums, meeting places, and delivering tailored business platforms, UKIB offers its members valuable opportunities to obtain meaningful connections, insights, and trade information.
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UKIB is a Chamber of Commerce for the digital age, bringing together the online world with offline relationships that underpin great business. Its commitment to its members is to provide indispensable value, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
The Team
Danny Kessler
Chairman
Danny is a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding and investing in successful technology-based ventures.
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Danny serves as the Executive Chairman of RTM. This leading global business consultancy specialises in providing expert guidance on ESG matters to blue-chip clients and international law firms in the Oil & Gas, Financial Services, and Resource sectors.
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As the CEO and founder of the Met Group, Danny has led the organisation into a diversified enterprise involved in various businesses. He partners with the best talent in venture capital and other innovative business models to achieve exceptional results.
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In addition to his professional pursuits, Danny is an accomplished underwater photographer who collaborates with leading marine research and conservation groups, exhibiting his work worldwide.
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Danny is a dedicated supporter of non-profit organisations and charities as a Corporate Trustee of the AIA (Anglo-Israel Association). His family's involvement in the creation of the State of Israel has instilled in him a passion for Israel's growth in all areas, and he sits on the board of several such organisations.
Shira Goldblum
Executive Director
Shira Goldblum is a lawyer by training who pivoted her career over a decade ago to focus on business development and strategic partnerships. She has since built a track record of cultivating high-impact, cross-border collaborations and scaling global initiatives across Israel, Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Shira has worked with startups, growth companies, and multinational corporations to develop strategic alliances, negotiate complex partnerships, and drive sustainable growth. Her expertise lies in opening new markets, aligning diverse stakeholder interests, and leading high-performing teams through transformational growth.
As Executive Director, Shira brings a global perspective grounded in legal, operational, and strategic experience, alongside a deep commitment to innovation and social impact.
Shira holds a law degree from the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), completed a postgraduate program in International Human Rights Law and Counter-Terrorism from the University of Oxford (UK), and a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Tel Aviv University. She is also a qualified NLP practitioner and mediator in both South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Originally from South Africa, having spent twelve in Israel, Shira now lives in London. Outside of work, she enjoys African safaris with her family, travel, learning languages (including Hebrew, French, Afrikaans, and Arabic), practicing pilates and playing the piano.
Dor Bershadsky
Non-Executive Adviser
Dor is an experienced international trade executive and entrepreneur committed to fostering the dynamic growth of economic, business and innovation ties between the United Kingdom and Israel, strengthening the bond between these two nations.
Dor's extensive experience in international trade and commerce is rooted in his work with the Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce and his role as an Economic Development Advisor to the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem.
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Dor holds degrees from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and The Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya (IDC), and he has also served as a team commander in the IDF special forces.
At UKIB, Dor has expanded the organisation's focus on executive programmes, including sector-focused networks such as the UK-Israel 'HealthTech Forum' and 'UK-Israel Energy Network'. Through these platforms, Dor has brought together leading UK executives and business leaders to enhance business ties between the two countries, resulting in successful collaborations and partnerships.
In addition to his business expertise, Dor is a professional classical musician who has performed with ensembles in Israel and worldwide. He resides in London with his wife, Sharon, and their two boys, DanDan and Udi.
Volunteers
Adam Mandel
Adviser
Adam is an entrepreneur and corporate innovation leader with over 10 years of experience at the intersection of autonomous systems, electric vehicles, and applied AI.
Adam serves as an Adviser to multiple startups, including 7Gen following their acquisition of EnergizedAI, a company he founded to improve EV charger reliability through algorithmic predictive maintenance. Prior to this his career spaned strategic roles commercialising new mobility technology at Rivian, General Motors, EVgo, and Mercedes-Benz. He also holds seven patents.
In addition, he shares his business expertise as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, teaching courses on technology management.
Adam grew up with a deep connection to Israel, visiting multiple times and participating in affiliated organisations, including winning a gold medal in water polo at the Pan American Maccabi Games.
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In his free time, Adam can usually be found outdoors cycling, swimming, or hiking with his family. ​Originally from Los Angeles, he now lives in London.​
Honorary Presidents
Sir Trevor Chinn
Leon Blitz
Sir Victor Blank
Michael Ziff